Fatherhood Files: Kyle Cassim on balancing the decks and being a dad

Welcome to The Fatherhood Files, your ultimate guide to fatherhood in Joburg! In celebration of Father's Day 2025, we're shining a light on the incredible dads who are navigating the adventures of raising kids in the City of Gold. From heartfelt lessons and invaluable advice to the best spots in the city, this is your go-to source for all things dad in Johannesburg. Get ready for inspiring stories, real talk, and plenty of laughs!

For our latest feature, we caught up with popular DJ and music artist, Kyle Cassim, to chat about how fatherhood has changed his tune, both personally and professionally, and how he navigates the vibrant Joburg scene with his young family.

A healthier beat

For Kyle, becoming a dad has been nothing short of transformative. "Personally, it's put me into the best rhythm of my life," he shares. The arrival of his son prompted significant lifestyle changes: "It actually made me stop drinking and smoking... and it's made me live a healthier life." Now, his focus is on being the best version of himself for his son and wife, embracing daily gym sessions, healthy eating, and wellness practices like breathwork. Professionally, this commitment to health has had a ripple effect. "I'm all present as an artist now... I'm performing better, I'm on the ball," he states, highlighting a newfound clarity and drive in his career.

Mastering the mix

Balancing a demanding DJ career with fatherhood might seem daunting, but Kyle finds a surprising contrast. "Being a DJ is actually more difficult than being a dad," he quips, referring to the constant touring and hotel life. He's become incredibly intentional with his time. "I'm in and out. I play my sets... and I come home." Time off is exclusively for family, prioritising "quality over quantity" when choosing shows. Any spare moments are dedicated to family holidays or weekend getaways with his wife and son.

Lessons learned, joy discovered

Kyle holds deep respect for his own father's lessons: "Respect everyone, treat everyone equally, and be humble." These are values he firmly believes in and hopes to instil in his son. What has surprised him most about fatherhood? "It's easier than I thought, to be honest," he reveals, contrasting with the common perception of it being incredibly hard. For him, even late-night cries or nappy changes are not difficult "because you love them so much." 

"I think the most beautiful blessing anyone can ever have is having a child," he adds. His key advice for new dads is simple yet profound: "Support your wife." He stresses the importance of making sure she feels "safe, seen and secure," especially through the challenges of postpartum and sleep deprivation.

A song for son

When asked to dedicate one track to his son, Kyle, the music man didn't choose a house anthem. Instead, he picked a song that holds a special, intimate meaning from his early days with his boy: "You've Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story. It's a touching choice that perfectly encapsulates the loving bond and companionship he shares with his son. 

Joburg and beyond

While Kyle admits his favourite thing to do in Joburg as a family is simply "spend time with them at home and play and eat," he and his wife also embrace the outdoors. "We love going for walks, we like going for hikes." He's a big fan of green spaces and nature, but confesses that when he's not performing in the city, they often travel. "We go to Cape Town, we go to Durban." His 10-month-old son already loves the water, making beach trips a highlight. For Kyle, it's about anything outdoors, emphasising "nature and food."

Catch up with Kyle's work and follow his journey on Instagram